MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Eden Zanker of the Demons celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFLW Round 06 match between the Melbourne Demons and the West Coast Eagles at Casey Fields on September 21, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos)
UPDATE: The West Coast Eagles were handed a brutal reality check today as they fell to the Melbourne Demons in a staggering 51-point defeat at Casey Fields. Led by standout Eden Zanker, who scored five goals, the Demons dominated from the outset, ultimately sealing the match with a score of 74-23.
The Eagles struggled to keep pace, being thoroughly outclassed in clearances and around the ground. Melbourne’s physicality and strategic play completely neutralized the Eagles’ speed advantage. Ella Roberts, usually a key player, found herself under constant pressure, while Isabella Lewis was forced to leave the field with a hip injury midway through the match, further diminishing West Coast’s chances.
Melbourne’s aggressive start saw them score three goals before West Coast even made an impact. The situation worsened as co-captain Lewis limped off after a tackle, leaving the Eagles to regroup. Despite a valiant effort from Abbygail Bushby, who recorded 24 disposals and laid five tackles, the team’s overall performance fell short.
Coach Daisy Pearce emphasized the need for improved performance at stoppages, as Melbourne dominated with nine to three clearances. Zanker’s relentless scoring and the support from teammates proved too much for the Eagles’ defense, which was unable to contain the barrage of inside 50s.
The Demons took a commanding lead, with Zanker achieving a career-high four goals by the second term. Although Roxanne Roux managed to keep Zanker goalless in the second half, the damage was already done. The absence of Liz McGrath in the ruck was noticeable, with Lauren Pearce stepping up for Melbourne, contributing significantly with 20 hitouts.
West Coast finally broke their scoring drought midway through the final quarter, with Sarah Lakay converting a set shot, followed by another goal from Kayla Dalgleish. However, the Eagles’ late surge could not erase the earlier deficit, and they ended the match with another injury concern as Jaide Britton limped off with a knee issue.
As the Eagles look ahead, their hopes for a maiden finals campaign hinge on resilience and four home games in the next six weeks. Today’s loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for this young team.
SCOREBOARD:
MELBOURNE 4.3, 7.7, 10.11, 10.14 (74)
WEST COAST 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 3.5 (23)
Goals – MELBOURNE: E Zanker 5, T Harris 2, K Hore 2, A Pisano.
WEST COAST: S Lakay, K Dalgleish, L Wakfer.
Best – MELBOURNE: E Zanker, E McNamara, L Pearce, T Hanks.
WEST COAST: A Bushby, C Thomas, E Roberts, C Rowley.
Injuries – MELBOURNE: Nil.
WEST COAST: I Lewis (Hip)
Crowd: TBC at Casey Fields.
As the dust settles on this crushing defeat, the Eagles now face a critical juncture in their season. Fans will eagerly anticipate how the team responds in their upcoming matches.
